Hi All,

I have a 1978 F150 4x4 and want to replace all of the original suspension and steering bushings. I have a kit from Energy Suspension and have read many messages here in the forum and watched YouTube videos so I am confident in what to do but I could not find any insight into the proper order to change bushings out if I'm refreshing everything as time allows. No lift so it is me in the driveway with a couple of floor jacks.

Thanks for your help and Merry Christmas!

Greg Davis
St Pete, FL

 

We purchased a complete kit for ours several years ago and have been replacing them as other repairs allow.

I don't think there is really an order/ sequence to follow. Just make sure you research what tools etc.. you will need.

You might consider doing the front end/axle as a week or two complete project.

The work required to do the C bushings and the radius arm bushings kinda lends itself to doing axle seals, bearings, ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar bushings etc... since you will more than likely have it pulled from the truck.

Then do the body and core supports when ready.

The only bushings from our kit we haven't done yet are for the leaf springs.

PM me if you would like some more detailed advice.

 

Bought a whole 14pc kit at once, did track bar and C-bushings one evening / night .... in red poly. Just seemed easier as not so much doubling of tasks. That was 4 C-bushings & 6 pieces track bar, but now I need to do my radius arm rear bushings ... but I have them still and should be easy enough. Had the , frame supported by stout stands with shocks undone at lowest mounting to let the axle hang and tires touching the floor, park brake set good, then I dropped the track bar entirely, then I loosened 4 big bolts that clamp the C-bushings and I removed the front most of the two bolts in the coil spring cups (there are two, but only one needs to come out so the C-bushing front clamp can be removed), then I left one side loosely attached while I did the other side C-bushings pulling the axle forwards just enough to get old rubber out, new poly in ... then I did other side, then I put new bushings in track bar and bolted it all back together. The radius arm rear bushings fit in brackets bolted (some are riveted I think) to the frame on my '77 so they should be pretty easy to do alone. If you have C-bushings for added caster, be sure they go in with correct sides up to add, not subtract ...... the advertised caster change.

I did not remove the front wheels from the truck.
I used a come-a-long to pull the axle forwards, hooked via bolt to front frame horn.
I did unhook the front drive shaft at one end as I recall, but I'm not sure I needed to.

 

Be sure to use some jack stands or timber blocks to "back up" those floor jacks.